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Tacoma City Council Meeting - August 5, 2014

Mayor Strickland began the meeting with a recognition of the life and achievements of Dr. Gordon Klatt, long-time Tacoma oncologist and founder of the Relay for Life. Dr. Klatt passed away over the weekend.

One speaker thanked the Council, the City, and everyone involved in the Tacoma 2025 visioning workshop, but said he needed more time to prepare further remarks, so maybe he'll be back next week...

REGULAR AGENDA

PURCHASE RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38979 A resolution awarding a contract to Right! Systems, Inc., in the amount of $309,684.46, including sales tax, budgeted from the Information Services Fund, for one year of SMARTnet maintenance from August 10, 2014 through August 11, 2015 - Washington State Contract No. 01114. [Linda Trehuba, IT Supervisor; Jack Kelanic, Director, Information Technology]

Resolution No. 38980 A resolution awarding a contract to Western Peterbilt, Inc., in the amount of $279,800, plus sales tax, budgeted from the Solid Waste Fund, for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) front loader refuse trucks, for an initial term of one year, with the option to renew for two additional one-year terms, for a projected contract total of $1,467,047.36 - Specification No. ES14-0216F. [Gary Kato, Division Manager; Michael P. Slevin III, P.E., Director, Environmental Services]

Both purchase resolutions were adopted without Council comment.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 38981 A resolution approving four boundary adjustments impacting five Neighborhood Councils as recommended by the Community Council of Tacoma. [Carol Wolfe, Supervisor; Ricardo Noguera, Director; Community and Economic Development]

The boundary adjustments were recommended by the Community Council of Tacoma, a group composed of representatives from all eight neighborhood councils. The changes have been vetted and approved by the affected councils for each.

Resolution No. 38982 A resolution authorizing the execution of a Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated with District Lodge #160, on behalf of Local Lodge #297 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, General Unit, covering 95 positions effective January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2016. [Mike Brock, Labor Negotiator; Joy St. Germain, Director, Human Resources]

The resolution was adopted, authorizing the five-year agreement with the union.

Ordinance No. 28238 An ordinance amending Chapter 1.12 of the Municipal Code, relating to the Compensation Plan, to implement rates of pay and compensation for employees represented by District Lodge #160, on behalf of Local Lodge #297 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, General Unit; and the Teamsters Local Union No. 117, Public Assembly Facilities (PAF) Unit. [Mike Brock, Labor Negotiator; David Topaz, Labor Negotiator; Joy St. Germain, Director, Human Resources]

The ordinance would implement the agreements authorized in the earlier resolutions.

COMMENTS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

Economic Development Committee - Councilmember Campbell reported on recent work of the committee.

Interviewed candidates and made recommendations for appointments to the Events and Recognition Committee.

Community and Economic Development Department presented recommendations for changes to the municipal code related to the City’s Small Business Enterprise program.

The committee's next meeting will include an update on a review of the neighborhood business districts program and a report from the City Events and Recognition Committee.

Councilmember Boe had several events to share.

Farmers' markets continue this summer. Tuesday afternoons at 6th and Pine, Thursday mid-day downtown on Broadway, Saturday mornings in Proctor, and Sunday mornings at the STAR Center in south Tacoma.

On Wednesday the final Downtown On the Go Walk Tacoma event will be a downtown Tacoma scavenger hunt. Meet at The Social (next to the Museum of Glass on the Foss Waterfront) to check in, then complete the scavenger hunt, and return for prizes, and to enjoy food and drinks at The Social (if you haven't had the chance to enjoy their patio this summer, you definitely should)

The Ruston Family Fair this weekend in Ruston will include a classic car show, fun activities for kids, music, a baking contest, and more. It kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. The event runs until 4 p.m.

The Hilltop Street Fair is coming up on Aug 23 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in the fun.

The ribbon cutting for the new Sprague interchange to SR-16 connecting to southbound and northbound I-5 was a couple weeks ago, and the interchange is now nearly ready to open at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 17.

​Councilmember Thoms reminded us that the last of the community budget input meetings is taking place this Thursday, August 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stadium High School. Thoms invited anyone who hasn't made it to one of the budget meetings yet to join the conversation.

Councilmember Ibsen invited everyone to join the Sons of Norway for their monthly pancake breakfast at Normanna Hall at 15th and MLK, beginning at 10 a.m.

Mayor Strickland reminded us that this Tuesday evening is the annual National Night Out. It's chance for neighbors to get out and about and get to know each other to help decrease crime in our neighborhoods.

Mayor Strickland also gave a reminder of election night, and encouraged everyone to vote.

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